Klarinet Archive - Posting 001410.txt from 1998/03

From: Stephen Nichols <stevenic@-----.nz>
Subj: Re: Musician/doubling
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 17:21:44 -0500

Anna wrote:

> These are my ideas on doubling - unfortunately, in NZ, it doesn't always
> work this way because of the smallish number of people available:
>
> 1. If you're going to double purely for the purposes of shows, then you
> should be competent (but not necessarily at a professional level) on each
> instrument you play. I mean, the last show I did, two of the reed players
> had taken up the clarinet specifically for the show. I don't like that,
> personally; it drops the standard of playing. I was playing Bb (my main
> instrument which I hope I am proficient on!), bass (which I am happy playing
> in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra - a pro group - when asked) and
> baritone sax, which I have been playing for a while now but mostly play for
> fun. I would say my bari playing is competent - I'm certainly not an
> expert, and as one of the other players was, I was happy to take any advice
> he gave, which was quite a bit! - but I wouldn't have liked to take it up
> purely for the show.

Hmmmmm. Sorry if i was a bit bossy Anna. Perhaps I shouldnt have
mentioned the state of your reed :-) and I wouldnt say that I'm an
expert. You flatter me.....

> It's not fair on other players. As it happened, in
> this show, there was a general atmosphere of everybody giving tips about
> their main instrument to others when needed among the reeds, and I think we
> were all better players for it.

Agreed. It was a very good atmosphere and we all got alot out of it in
terms of hints and technique suggestions. I was happy to give advice on
the flute and sax, and got some good clarinet tips in return. I've been
in shows where everyone has kept to themselves and not given any more
than they had to (musically and personally) which has not been very
enjoyable.

> 2. If you want to play professionally, you're best to stick to one
> instrument.

I have to disagree with you there Anna. The knowledge gained from
playing other horns really can improve you as a player and a musician.

BTW if playing in this show and the CSO makes you a 'professional' Anna,
then by your own reasoning you shouldnt be playing bari as its outside
the clarinet family!!

Steve

Sop, Alto and Bari Sax/Clarinet and Bass Clarinet/Flute and Alto Flute,
and all the better a musician and teacher for it!!!!!

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